What would a Renaissance Scottish king want staring down from the ceiling of his bedchamber? Probably lions and unicorns – and plenty of them. Part of the Â£12 million project to return the royal palace at Stirling Castle to how it may have looked in the mid-16th century involves creating new ceilings for the bed chambers built for King James V and his French queen, Mary of Guise.

A Renaissance king would expect the ceiling of his bedchamber to be truly magnificent. James V would have been no exception, and the palace he had built in Stirling Castle was rich with elegant stone statues and other fine craftsmanship. The Historic Scotland team recreating the palace interiors has commissioned a master craftsman to create a 1.5m tall oak carving of the royal coats of arms as the centrepiece of his bedchamber ceiling. It will be surrounded by other carvings showing the heraldry of the four great orders of chivalry to which the king belonged.

Need an idea for a special Christmas present for friends or family? How about a gift which lasts all year and gives unlimited free access to over 70 of Scotland’s top visitor attractions? By giving Historic Scotland Membership, you’ll be giving a series of lasting memories of fun days out – and a present which really will be appreciated. Membership costs as little as Â£30 a year for concessions, with a family membership (two adults plus children) costing just Â£74.

One of the highlights of Christmas is undoubtedly the splendid fare of the season and of course, the opportunity to indulge in celebratory meals with family and friends. Selecting a special venue for a festive feast with loved ones makes the occasion all the more memorable - so why not choose a castle and dine like kings? Next month Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle are once again offering a choice of great Christmas dining options for lovers of good food and great surroundings. Treat yourself to a superb three-course Christmas Lunch at Edinburgh Castle from 1st to 24th December (excluding 13th and 20th) for only Â£35 per person - and you can explore all of the wonderful attractions of Scotland’s leading heritage attraction for free.

47 Historic Scotland sites throughout the country on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th November will be free. The free entry is a key part of both the St Andrew’s Weekend celebrations and the finale of Homecoming Scotland 2009. Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution, Michael Russell said: “This is a brilliant opportunity to visit one of Historic Scotland’s superb heritage attractions. Opening these properties for free over the 28th and 29th of November is a wonderful way for us, as Scots, to mark our country’s national day and celebrate the end of a highly successful year of Homecoming. “We, as a nation, are terribly proud and passionate about our history, culture and what made us who we are today. We can celebrate these amazing places and the stories of our country, this weekend. With Historic Scotland offering membership for great value family days out all year, this is a chance to try it out in advance."